Entebbe | 2 June 2022 The UN Human Rights Office in partnership with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), concluded a four-day capacity building training on aligning the National Statistical Indicators to Human Rights Indicators. The training aimed to address the existing gaps in the disaggregation of data and analysis as well as the integration of the Human Rights-Based Approach to data collection for accessible, available, affordable and quality services for all.
It targeted 30 (16 females and 14 males) employed staff of the four different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) entailing the National Planning Authority, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Human Rights Committee and UBOS.
In advancing the operationalization of the Memorandum of Understanding, the four institutions committed to applying the Human Rights-Based Approach to data collection, analysis and dissemination in efforts to improve the quality-of-service delivery by key stakeholders for the benefit of all.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Country Representative, UN Human Rights Office in Uganda, Grace Pelly said that despite efforts made by UBOS and other stakeholders in conducting surveys, there is still a need for substantial efforts to improve data collection and address existing data gaps, including ensuring that there is adequate disaggregation of data and analysis.
“This is the beginning of a new dawn with commitments to harmonize work modalities and integrate the Human Rights-Based Approach to the statistics to guarantee accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality social services for all Ugandans. The integration of the National Statistical Indicators to the Human Rights Indicators allows for the disaggregation of data to include a marginalized key population that will contribute to the Government’s achievement of the SDGs/2030 agenda and ensure that no one is left behind,” Ms. Grace said.
Ms. Hellen Nviri, the Director of Population and Social Statistics at UBOS implored the participants to note the emerging issues and corresponding solutions that are vital in fulfilling their mandate of coordinating the National Statistical System (NSS) in data collection and compilation.
“As the Government of Uganda prepares for the National Census & Demographics Household Health Survey in 2023, there is need to close the gaps in documentation and integration. An assessment must be conducted to measure whether human rights principles are adhered to and effectively complied with in all our processes,” Ms. Hellen emphasized.
During his presentation on Human Rights Indicators, Mr. Guilherme Miranda Dutra, Human Rights Officer and statistician, UN Human Rights Office in Geneva emphasized the benefits of utilizing international, regional and national human rights mechanisms to measure human rights.
“Only robust and accurate statistics can establish the vital benchmarks and baselines that translate human rights commitments into targeted policies which measure adherence. Some of the benefits of measuring human rights include quick implementation, highlighting of practical content, provision of transparency and accountability, the inclusion of groups usually left behind and assisting with following up on the recommendations,” Mr. Guilherme concluded.
In his closing remarks read for him by human rights officer Ms. Ulrike Kahbila Mbuton, the Country Representative, UN Human Rights Office in Uganda Mr Robert Kotchani, expressed appreciation to all the participants for their consistent efforts and re-echoed the significance of gathering data that includes persons living with albinism.
“We acknowledge that processes take time and are a continuing process. The work done so far is a big step to ensure that no one is left behind in the data production and analysis processes. The UN Human Rights office in Uganda intends to continue support to the work on the Human Rights-Based Approach to Data. We commit to considering key action points and recommendations for a Uganda that has integrated HRBA to Data and is all-inclusive of her people in accessing quality service delivery.”
In his remarks, Mr. James Muwonge, the Acting Deputy Director at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, said that with the establishment of new districts and local governments, the level of data was bound to increase and that it is imperative to narrow down the data gaps at the national and regional levels.
“We must be clear on what core indicators should be compiled. Considering that we are dealing with the Parish Development Model, the absence of information to enlighten different areas is a wake-up call for UBOS to take keen note in collecting data in the necessary areas.” Mr. James said.
In January 2022, Uganda underwent the Universal Periodical Review session and accurate data is required to effectively implement the 273 recommendations to adequately report in the next UPR session – in four years. Therefore, the UN Human Rights Office in Uganda pledges support to the Government of Uganda in ensuring that Sustainable Development Goals are realized by building the capacity of institutions to avail human rights-based data to improve programming and service delivery for all without leaving anyone behind.